ICPC invites Obono-Obla for questioning

The suspended Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has been invited for questioning by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.

According to reports, the letter inviting Obono-Obla, who was suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday over allegations of abuse of office, financial impropriety and intimidation, amongst others, was sent through the office of the Solicitor-General of the Federation barely 24 hours after his suspension.

The spokesperson of the ICPC, Rasheedat Okoduwa, confirmed the invitation on Thursday, adding that the embattled lawyer had been invited to report to the ICPC headquarters.

She, however, did not reveal when he is billed to report for questioning.

“I can confirm that we have written a letter of invitation to him today (Thursday).

“The letter was sent to him through the Office of the Solicitor-General of the Federation. He is to appear before the commission,” Okoduwa said.

In a related development, the Ministry of Justice, on Thursday, confirmed that the ICPC has submitted an interim report on Obono-Obla to President Muhammadu Buhari.

A statement by the ministry’s Deputy Director, Public Affairs, James Odaudu, confirmed the development, adding that some of allegations for which Obono-Obla was investigated included abuse of office, intimidation, unauthorised malicious investigation, financial impropriety, administrative misconduct and forgery/falsification of records.

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The statement read: “Following the crisis arising from series of petitions from legal practitioners, concerned public spirited citizens and public officers, alleging abuse of office, intimidation, unauthorised malicious investigation, financial impropriety, administrative misconduct and forgery/falsification of records by the Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed his immediate suspension from office.

“The suspension follows the receipt and consideration of the interim investigative report of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on the matter.

“The President has also directed that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission should conclude its investigations and proceed to prosecute Chief Okoi Obono-Obla.

“Meanwhile, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Dayo Apata, Esq. has been directed to immediately take over the affairs of the Special Investigative Panel.”

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